Hi, my name is Troy Shaffer. I’m an English Education major at SIUE, and I’m planning to graduate in 2028 and become a high school English teacher. Right now, I’m gaining classroom experience by observing at Alton High School, where I’m getting to see how teachers manage their classrooms and get students to engage with reading, writing, and discussion. I’m also part of the CODES Scholarship Program at SIUE, where I spent two years working with Missouri Botanical Gardens on research involving Indigenous knowledge and helped develop an Indigenous Knowledge Tour. Outside of education, I’m currently a manager at Crazy Bowls and Wraps, which has given me a lot of experience with leadership, communication, and problem solving. Through these experiences, I’ve become more confident in my ability to communicate, lead, and work as part of a team. As I continue my education, I’m excited to gain more classroom experience and eventually have a classroom of my own.
